Geordies Up Next And ChampMan 2011 Competition
Oct 26th, 2010 by 'holic
It is always amusing watching Arsene Wenger’s pre-match interviews on ATvO. Interviewer and interviewee walk a tightrope as one attempts to persuade the other to part with information he would clearly rather keep to himself. I have long since learned to take these chats as a guide, but no more than that.
The squad to take on Newcastle in the Carling Cup is taking shape. Nobody will be surprised to see Wojciech Szczesny given the chance to back up his considerable estimation of himself in goal. The young man has quite an opportunity to showcase himself, and perhaps press his claims for elevation to the number two ‘keeper.
I would expect Emmanuel Eboue, Laurent Koscielny, and Kieran Gibbs to be drafted into the back four, probably with Johan Djourou getting another chance to get up to full match-fitness. Sebastien Squillaci has become a key figure in the absence of Thomas Vermaelen, and has earned a rest.
The midfield selection will be interesting. Abou Diaby may return alongside Denilson with possibly Tomas Rosicky playing in the hole. There seems little doubt that Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner will start up front, leaving the left-sided berth for one of the young hopefuls. Henri Lansbury may just get the nod ahead of Carlos Vela and Jay Emmanuel Thomas after his performance and goal in the 4-1 demolition of the neighbours in the last round.
Newcastle face similar selection headaches just before taking on Sunderland in the most significant north-east derby for some years, given that both combatants are currently in the top half of the Premiership. I think they were genuinely surprised that a weakened team saw off a weakened Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge, in the last round. Do they rotate again, or do they attempt to take out one of the only two so-called ‘big guns’ remaining in the competition? It is not only Arsenal who appreciate the opportunity that will present itself to the winner of this tie.
There is a ‘feel-good’ factor around the Arsenal at the moment that is enough to convince me to be bullish again with the ‘holic pound. I don’t think that midfield and relatively inexperienced defence will shut the hosts out, but there are goals in the side, and on the bench if required. How about 2-3 to Arsenal, a 25/1 shot if you shop around. A nail-biting thriller to boot.
To those mad impulsive Gooners making the long trek north-east, I wish you a performance from the boys to make it all worthwhile. I remember just four of us making the trek there for a meaningless midweek affair in the mid-seventies. If memory serves it was a 3-1 tonking we got, although we did get to see Wilf Rostron’s (who said whoooo?) debut. The milk train home was a seemingly endless journey. Better fortune awaits you lot, I reckon.
Win Championship Manager 2011 For The iPhone, iPod Touch, Or iPad
I have not one, but five (count them, five!) copies of the iPhonic version of this addictive game to present to lucky ‘holics who also follow me on Twitter. All you have to do to win is simply retweet my competition tweet, posted on Tuesday evening, before kick-off time on Wednesday. The ‘holic random generator is poised to select five names at random to receive the game.
The one stipulation is that the competition is open to UK readers only, so apologies to all the fine overseas ‘holics. I am working on another competition which will include you.
Cheers ‘holics.
71 Responses to “Geordies Up Next And ChampMan 2011 Competition”
Yay first!
I was also going to go to this match, but having purchased a return flight for today to Newcastle off easyjet for £64, returning tomorrow morning, I thought enoughs enough. 🙂
So that’ll be a snakebite tonight… seems rather fitting 🙂
Oh dear, Mark 🙂
Evening all,
I’d put Rosicky in there holic. I might be wrong but wasn’t his final game before his mammoth lay-off a carling cup tie with Newcastle? It would be lovely symmetry if he came back to conduct things tomorrow night.
A Red Stripe please barkeep.
5 already?
Bushmills please sir
I think it was FA Cup, Jimmy
Is that one stipulation or two stipulations then Holic? 😉
Back on topic, sounds like we will have a strong team out, which is good to see – I always felt that we should be taking this cup seriously until we started winning things again.
I’ll be looking for a price on 1-2 to the Arsenal – I agree that we are unlikely to keep a clean sheet.
COYRRR !
No tweeting = no prize winning. Bah
Having just talked in United’s winner, a small hemlock please, barman.
Haven’t read the post yet Holic, but I just have to write this for everyone to see!
This is way more than I expected… Psychometric tests… wow.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1323983/Meet-Jacques-Crevoisier–brains-Arsene-Wengers-Arsenal-youth-revolution.html
Evening all
Would love to see JET and Lansbury feature at some point. I fear I have somewhat a “meh” attitude to Vela now. Just can’t see him making the breakthrough at our club. I will be delighted if I’m proved wrong…. but also surprised.
K & Morphine please – dodgy seafood pizza yesterday.
Well, they deleted the article for some reason, but anyways it was about the fact that Arsene has Crevoisier take psychometric tests to all his players and all of them passed with flying colors (the ones that made the team) and are incredibly smart.
Guess AW is a lot more than your ordinary manager, but then again, we already knew that.
AKB!
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Nightcap of your choice before closing time, thanks ‘holic.
Sailor Jerry here tonight, Fin 🙂
They put the article back on, anyone read it yet ?
I really do not want us to take too strong a squad to the Geordies. I would love to see the likes of Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke get a run out. I know we keep hearing this stuff about we have not won anything in years but I have always liked the way the kids have played in the Beer Cup. Made it actually worth watching for me.
Still think we will have too much for the Geordies. 3 nil to the rip roaring Gooners….
Keep the faith.
Think I’d prefer to see Carlos get another run out ‘holic. The guy needs playing opportunities.
Newcastle 1 Arsenal 3
Single malt please with a couple of ice cubes please barman.
I’m with Catalan G, I can’t see Vela making a breakthrough into the team. Crying shame considering the time and money spent on the lad.
I heard the rumours of his partying in London last season. The stories from the Mexico squad confirmed the whispers.
Well it’ll have to be a Tequila!
Not made it in here for a couple of days due to “mother in hospital” problems, so just catching up.
Toby @ 75 yesterday – every word.
And for those who like to guage Gunnerenthusiasm by the captain’s goal celebrations, what about the floor based cuddling of Alex Song !
Snir – don’t be surprised by any documentation that emerges from the manager’s offices. I told you, the place is full of it – floor to ceiling. No, I did not get to read the contents of any of it, but there’s plenty there.
If we assume that Chamakh and Bendtner will fight it out to be the focal point of our attack (and that may well not be the case), the following players will soon, hopefully, be fighting for the other attacking places – van Persie, Wilshere, Rosicky, Walcott, Diaby and Ramsey. Oh, and they’re just the ones who DIDN’T start on Sunday.
The FA are going to have to start introducing some new competitions to give our squad some playing time !
And Wilf – was it he who gave rise to the eponymous mickey-take of about that era ?
Howay, Holic,
I did think I might try to give you a Great North Run for your money on the preview post, but after a very long day at the coal face, I’m in Dire Straits, my brain is foggier than The Fog On The Tyne so, If you’ll be kind enough to pour a Newcy Broon, I’ll put my feet up and ponder and enjoy your very fine effort.
I do hope to see Szcezny play tomorrow. His reputation certainly precedes him. I’d also like to see Lansbury have the opportunity to follow up on his success at the neighbours.A great opportunity for Bendy and Theo to get back into the groove too.
Enjoy, everyone. I’m feeling confident.
Evening, Holics! Thanks Snir, that was excellent. As a psychologist, I found that fascinating, and not all that surprising given how psychologically-oriented Le Prof is.
And I have to agree with Catalan- I just haven’t seen enough of Vela to get excited about. Some great shots (mostly for Mexico), but…
Guinness, please, barman.
Hey ho and away we go.
It’s an adjustment watching football again in the wee hours of the morning. And how the local cable providers (cough) don’t provide the earlier rounds of the Beer cup (figure that out).
Not too sure about Vela, there seems to be a 50-50 on him from all I’ve read and I don’t even see much postings from the gooner who dedicated a whole blog on him anymore.
I’d love to watch him do chips over Van der Sar and Joe Hart and whoever the feck they have in goal for the Sperms. But with Chamakh, Arshavin, Nicky, Walcott all providing the different threats required in the team, I’m just hard pressed to find a particular niche that Vela can carve out for himself?
I mean if he was really the finisher that was as close to Eduardo (bless him) as we can get, I’m sure Le Boss would have played him in some capacity or another more frequently this season. However, that has not been happening.
Initially I thought Vela was a decent cross between good old Bobby Pires and Reyes. Pace + Finishing. But he hasn’t done that for us, not really anyway.
We can only hope for the best for our Mehican superstar but currently we are very well pleased with Chamakh and Nasri’s contribution this season that we glossed over his existence…
Oh and a pint of Strongbow. Ice cold please, sir.
No fair Sir ‘Holic. As a loyal Indian fan, we should get some of the pudding too. 🙁
My guess is that at least some of this impatience with Vela is due to the emergence of the other supermex, Javier Hernandez, with Man U. Let’s not give up on Vela yet.
I think AW will have the mix of the team about right for tonights game. There will be a few younsters, but the bulk of the team will consist of 1st. team bench warmers, late subs etc. plus those like Walcott and Bendtner looking to get games under their belts.
While in the past, it was fun watching the kids turn over all but the really top Premier League teams, you have to ask who it really benefitted. How many of those kids have gone on to make a full time career at Arsenal? Of course, it was a good shop window in which to display our young talent for when the time came for them to move on, but AW has other imperatives now. Even he realises that any trophy this season is a must, and with players returning from injury, the squad is fairly substantial. I applaud his decision to put Wojciech ahead of Fabianski, and I hope that he proves that ability is more important than age. I am worried that Wojciech`s contract is up next summer, with no news yet on that front.
Lets continue the recent feel good factor and COME ON YOU GUNNERS!!!!
@27 BT8BBNN – With regards to Vela, I certainly feel that his chances will always be limited at Arsenal. Like Eduardo, he’s become a victim of the system change away from the 4-4-2 and there’s no longer an obvious place in the system that he fits into; He certainly cannot do the lone forward role and although the left flank is the more obvious position for him he’s simply got too much competition for that spot.
‘Tis a shame because the talent is there for all to see, I remember going to the Emirates and watching him score that magnificent hattrick against Sheff Utd in this very competition and being blown away. But I’m seriously beginning to wonder about his long-term future with Arsenal now and if he doesn’t break through soon then when will he?
Good call on the Sailor Jerry’s ‘Holic. Make mine a double please sir and keep ’em coming 😉
Sorry Maddy, not my restriction, I’m afraid.
UK tweeters seven hours left to get your retweets in.
Chaps
Have been giggling all day – was having my morning cafe solo (an espresso – my wife was with me!) when I read a little article in Sport (Barca propoganda rag) just introducing the idea to their supporters that maybe perhaps Cesc wouldn’t be arriving at Camp Nou in the near future.
Of course this was dressed up as being due to Arsenal’s unreasonable “orbital” price demands of 50 million, and Barca are much more sensible than that with money etc etc. This from the club that valued Ibrahamovich at something line 70 million.
Put this together with the news over here that the new Barca board are considering legal action against La Porta for the financial mess they are in, Cesc’s new found bullishness about Arsenal, and Arsene’s recent confidence that Cesc will be around for a few more years…. and no doubt we get 2+2 = 5
The one thing they did write, which may be the most sense I’ve ever seen in their paper, is that the Cesc “soap opera” will continue next summer.
Catalan,
The “Cesc to Barca” story will be back by Christmas.. This wont until the day He does leave for his boyhood club..
I have a feeling He won’t be leaving any time soon.. Not in 2011 or 2012.. I may be wrong but I feel He is going to sign a new extension in the next 18months and is going to stay at Arsenal for atleast 4 more years..
@ Indian
Doubt we’ll see a contract extension – present one will run out in 2014, and then he’ll be free to leave, or on a cheap one the year before.
Right then…. a drink for everyone here. Cheap round!
Catalan,
Doesn’t the current one runs until 2015? That is what I remember last..
Could be, not an expert. So, drink of your choice on me Indian!
Tony Attwood has outdone himself on his blog today… the bells are tolling for many…
Catalan – hope all is good in your world. Re the Cesc to Barca stuff – I would love to buy a Ferrari but I just can’t afford it.
I don’t believe Cesc will be going there next summer for the same reason. You just cannot see their finances improving, in that time, to the point where they can make us an offer we can’t refuse.
Cesc will still have 4 years of his contract to run, and we will be no more obliged to take whatever they can offer next year than we were this.
Cesc’s response to the whole thing has been, as we all knew it would, one of utter brilliance and professionalism. There is no reason to suppose that would change next year, any more than this.
The man is a fabulous player, appears to be a very decent person, and the more I hear from him as our skipper, the better he gets.
I wouldn’t at all begrudge him an eventual move to the team of his boyhood and his father’s affections, but I hope he stays here for ever.
Drinks ? Definately not a Black & White thanks – do they still make that ? I am currently on a whisky diet though. I’ve already lost three days this week.
I’ll have a Guinness, please. It’s not yet 9 in the morning so need to go easy. Thanks Catalan!
Yet, honestly, I’d prefer another subject. I can’t stomach bringing this conversation back up now- it’s only October still…
Maybe we can talk RVP- wouldn’t be amazing if playing all these half seasons (at best) meant that he actually played for an extra 10 years with us? Ah shit, now I’ve just depressed myself more. Ok, back to Cesc.
Trev,
Moreover, He loves to play with this group of players. I can bet my house on Barca’s game not being as electric and entertaining as us..
Love the spirit in the squad..
I think they will play his strongest team to be honest, its not going to be easy. I can see Newcastle causing us a lot of problems in the air.
Little find that I thought I would share with my fellow gooners. Wicked website that shows you whenever Arsenal are on TV http://www.locatetv.com/person/arsenal/351006 even highlights, previews. Well handy, bookmarked.
Looking forward to the game tonight. Hopefully we will go a few goals up and then get to see some young guns have a run out.
pires is king,
RvP’s injury problems are very depressing as you say.. I just wish he played around 75% of a season.
Sorry guys – didn’t mean to bore you with the Cesc thing, just keeping you up to date with what the locals are saying.
Trev – that’s definitely my favourite diet!
@ Trev.
All good in the adjusting world thanks!
Here we go again.
The pre match jitters are starting to appear as kick off rapidly approaches.
I think Wenger will repeat the tactics from the last round and select a more experieced squad then he has done in previous seasons, that said, due to strength in depth, any team that he could choose to put out would be more then a match for the Toon’s weakened side, which is what I’m sure CH will play as PL survival will be top of his lists of goals this season.
Come on you REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDSSSSSSSSS.
Vodka shot to calm the nerves please.
Cheers
I’ll have one with you, Holland. Optimistically nervous here. With that said, I’d love to see JET get some significant run, just to see what he can do. Cheers.
Plus, I agree with you, IndianGooner- any stretch of time he’s alright is a joy to me. I don’t even expect no injuries, just pray for longer stretches between. Damn, what would this year have been like with out Chamakh? Scary to think of….
Evening fellow Holics and Holic,
Great read that app looks really good I have to say 🙂
It won’t be an easy games by no means and it’s a cup game too.
I believe we should dominate with the younger ones showing yet another class display tonight. They need to show their hunger and these games are a perfect opportunity for them.
Come on you Riproaring Reds!!!!
😀
If you are quick you will get Carlos Vela at 17/2 on bet365.com, and he is starting. I’m on!
Too late now Holic I would have open an account etc… perhaps next time….
In the mean time….Bring on the Toon Army!
Evening one and all
Hopes are high tonight – we’ve got a very interesting squad out plenty of scope for super subs 9JET anyone too?)
ATVo commentary on.
Settling in at my trusty laptop.
Come on The Arsenal!!!!
PS: And drinks all round please barman – pint of ice cold Guiness for me!
Haway Vela!!!
Woo Hoo! Go Nicky B!
One-nil to the Arsenal…..
Timing = Poifick 🙂
True storey, you could always watch via a stream rather than audio commentary from ATVO… it’s quite easy actually, I’d be glad to help you with it if you need some help.
That was a STRONG header by Nikki B!!!
A bit sluggish but we’ll get the victory.
TS Snir is right
Let’s get you watching this is the 21st Century after all 🙂
You have to feel for Gibbsy boy another injurey ffs…..
We started of really sharp they managed to hold us up a bit if it wasn’t for our defenders being close to Szczesny we would find ourselves in a bit of trouble.
We ended the first half on the high, lady luck is our side tonight I reckon. The game got ugly for a bit but thankfully it didn’t go any further. Eboue was already the main subject on teh commentry levels, he did go down a bit easily for the first one.
Anyway Holics and Holic we dominated them and should already be at least 3:1 up….
Come on you Reds!
What a backheader by the keeper way better than hernandez for mancs on Sunday, ha ha
Snir & ATG – I’m touched by your concern 🙂
Please help me join the 21st century chaps, thanks!
Barman? Digital, streaming, cyber-drinks for my good friends please !
Oh and The-oooooooooooooooooooo!!!
2-0 to the Arsenal, etc., etc…..
Bendt streak is on!!
I got only one thing to say about this game.
Woj is ready. way ready.
Too bad for him (and good for us) that LF is playing great these last couple of weeks, he could have won the number 1 shirt. Excellent performance by WS.
…Hopefully not with his junk out ‘nasri….
TS, with or without, what the hell
Heh! good point – he’s another one of our stars isn’t he? Grrrreat win. Confidence is sky high now. Pity the Hammmers on Saturday…. another big-nil result on the cards me thinks.
Hey Snir and Arthur,
This Texas Gooner could use some streaming help as well. Magnificent performance by the true reds. Can’t wait to see the game or highlights tonight. My only disappointment is Vela… I truly want him to succeed, but if he is a goof-off, then I guess it is best to part company. Damn, I bought his shirt and all that.
Up the arse! (and let the fight for starting gk begin – Szczesny put his pimp-hand down tonight – good for the boy.)
Anyone who needs help with the streaming issue is welcome to email me at snir_geuli@hotmail.com
True Storey – I’m still getting bad memories of the West Brom game (OK I know they’re doing a lot better than West Ham right now), but I hope you’re right!
@ Charlie – Just trying to be optimistic. To be fair they’ve also had a good win tonight and they’ve been a bogey team once or twice recently. I just think the confidence, the battle for first team places and the natural talent esp. under the orchestratation of our Capt. Fabtastic is going to make us a very tough team for anyone to play right now….
…. and long may it continue!
orchestration – b*ll*cks!
Same goes here, anyone with streaming questions please let me know:
arthurd@arsenaltalk.co.uk
Great win tonight…..
Barman a pint of Wisniowka for everyone in the bar…. 🙂
I’m buying a round for some very classy fans. Thanks, Snir, for the help, and thanks, ATG, for your willingness to help.
It’s good to be a Gooner!